Subjective vs Objective | Definition & Examples
Subjective is an adjective that describes something as being based on individual perspectives and experiences (e.g., “That movie is too long in my opinion”). Objective means that something is based on verifiable data or evidence (e.g., “That movie is 180 minutes long”).
The difference between subjective and objective writing is that the former is based on personal viewpoints, whereas the latter is based on observable facts.
| Subjective examples | Objective examples |
|---|---|
| I don’t like the icing on the cake. | That cake has cream cheese icing. |
| Dogs are so much better than cats. | Dogs are the most popular pets in the world. |
| Tacos are tastier than pasta. | Tacos are a Mexican dish, whereas pasta is Italian. |
Subjective definition
“Subjective” is an adjective that means “relating to one’s emotions, thoughts, and opinions.”
What is considered stylish is often subjective and varies greatly from person to person.
Clearly, a sunset’s beauty is a subjective experience, as I was in awe, but my brother was unimpressed.
“That artwork is beautiful” is a subjective claim because people’s viewpoints on what “beautiful” means differ—there is no definitive measurement for beautiful artwork. Subjective statements are not based on scientific findings. It all depends on individual preferences.
Winter is the most enjoyable season because I love the cold weather.
Classical music is superior to any other type of music.
Subjective writing
Subjective writing relies on personal interpretations and feelings rather than verified data. You can find this style of composition in personal essays, memoirs, opinion columns, and other forms of creative writing.
Subjective writing often includes some or all of these characteristics:
- First-person pronouns (e.g., “I,” “we,” “mine,” “ours”)
- Emotive language
- Personal experiences and anecdotes
- Descriptive and figurative language
It’s essential for writers to understand what subjective writing is and when it’s appropriate to use it. For instance, it’s not recommended to use subjective writing in a research paper. Conversely, you should avoid technical, scientific language if your writing’s purpose is to evoke an emotional response.
Objective definition
“Objective” refers to something that is solely rooted in facts and unaffected by biases or opinions.
The assessment was based on his objective findings rather than personal feelings.
Journalists should report news in an objective manner, focusing solely on facts.
Please note that the word “objective” can also be used as a noun that means “goal” or “something you are trying to achieve” (e.g., “Their objective was to get the highest score possible”).
“The earth is round” is an objective statement because it is a scientific fact, regardless of what others believe or feel about it.
Currently, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world.
The company’s revenue grew by 10% in the last quarter.
Objective writing
Objective writing is focused on presenting factual information in a neutral way. It’s often used in academic, technical, and professional settings with the goal of delivering figures and details without personal interpretation or opinion.
Some key characteristics of objective writing include:
- Third-person perspective
- Neutral tone
- Clear and precise language
- Evidence and citations
Objective writing is typically used in research papers, journalistic reporting, business documents, and other types of texts that require unbiased information.
It’s vital for writers to know what objective writing is so that they can understand when to use it. Furthermore, distinguishing objective writing from subjective writing can help you accurately interpret what you’re reading.
Subjective vs objective examples
Remember, subjective views are based on feelings, and objective statements are based on facts.
Here are a few examples that demonstrate the difference between subjective and objective statements:
| Subjective | Objective |
|---|---|
| Coffee tastes better than tea. | Coffee and tea are two popular beverages. |
| Modern art is ugly compared to classical art. | Modern art emerged in the late 19th century and is different from classical art. |
| Meditation is the best way to relieve stress. | Meditation involves mindfulness, or focusing the mind. |
| Sunrises are more beautiful than sunsets. | Sunrises occur in the morning, and sunsets occur in the evening. |
| The new restaurant is the best place to eat in the city. | The new restaurant offers a variety of dishes. |
Frequently asked questions about subjective vs objective
- What does objective mean?
-
“Objective” is an adjective that means “relating to facts, data, and evidence rather than opinions and biases” (e.g., “The results were based on research and are therefore objective”).
However, the word “objective” can also be used as a noun that means “goal” (e.g., “The objective was to return the gift without her noticing”).
- What does subjective mean?
-
Subjective is an adjective that describes something as relating to opinions, personal interpretations, and individual experiences instead of unbiased data (e.g., “Love is subjective because it can mean different things to many people”).
- What is subjectivity?
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“Subjectivity” is a noun that refers to the quality of being subjective or influenced by personal interpretations and opinions instead of facts (e.g., “Her subjectivity affected the outcome of the case”).
